Meaning & use
argument
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Meanings
nouncountable
A reason or set of reasons given to support an opinion or prove a point.
Grammar: Countable; often followed by 'for' or 'against' something, or 'that' + clause.
Patterns
- an argument for something
- an argument against something
- the argument that ...
- make an argument
She presented a strong argument for reducing carbon emissions.
There is a convincing argument that early education pays off later.
He made his argument clearly and calmly.
nouncountable
An angry disagreement between people who have opposing views.
Grammar: Countable; often used with 'have' or 'get into': have an argument with someone.
Patterns
- have an argument with someone
- get into an argument
- an argument about something
They had a loud argument about money last night.
I don't want to get into an argument with my neighbor.
The argument between the two drivers blocked the road.
Word forms
| plural | arguments |
|---|
Common combinations
- strong argument
- The lawyer made a strong argument for the defendant's innocence.
- have an argument
- We had an argument about whose turn it was to cook.
- win an argument
- She always wins an argument because she stays calm.
- line of argument
- His line of argument was difficult to follow.
- settle an argument
- They asked the teacher to settle the argument.
Synonyms and how they differ
- debate
- A debate is a formal, organized discussion; an argument can be informal and heated.
- quarrel
- A quarrel is a personal, often petty argument; 'argument' is broader and can also mean a reasoned case.
- dispute
- A dispute is a serious disagreement, often legal or official; an argument is more everyday.
Opposites
Word family
- argue verb
- To give reasons for or against something, or to disagree angrily.
- argumentative adjective
- Often arguing or wanting to argue.
- arguably adverb
- It can be argued that; possibly.
Commonly confused: argument or arguement?
argument vs arguement
This is a common misspelling. The correct spelling drops the 'e' after 'argu': argument.
Practice
In academic writing, what does 'argument' usually mean?
Choose one answer.
In academic contexts, an argument is a reasoned case, not a quarrel. Option 0 is the everyday sense, and option 3 is the opposite of what an argument requires.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “argument”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.